Spectator protests Salvini at Diodato's De André tribute concert in Sardinia

The incident at L'Agnata

On the evening of 9 August 2026, singer Diodato performed a concert honoring Fabrizio De André at L'Agnata, the late singer-songwriter's former residence in Tempio Pausania, Sardinia, now a small resort managed by his widow Dori Ghezzi. The event was part of the Time in Jazz festival, directed by trumpeter Paolo Fresu, in collaboration with the Fondazione De André. Among the audience was Deputy Prime Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini, on vacation in Gallura and seated in the front row next to Ghezzi.

A young woman in the crowd stood up and interrupted the performance. She praised Diodato's talent but said she could not remain at the concert because of Salvini's presence, calling him 'an individual' and telling Ghezzi she was offended that the politician had been welcomed. The audience reacted with a mix of boos, shouts of 'sit down', 'let her speak', and 'out, out', as well as some applause. The young woman then left. The scene was documented on social media by Roberto Cotti, a former Five Star Movement senator who was present, with photos and video that circulated widely.

Dori Ghezzi takes the microphone

Ghezzi, De André's widow, walked to the stage and took the microphone to respond. She reaffirmed her left-wing political identity but insisted on the need for dialogue.

“I don't agree with you. I have always been on the left. But it is right to create a dialogue, otherwise we would no longer be a democratic country where we can vote. This is all wrong. Let's talk about it if you want.”

Her words drew applause from the audience, including visible clapping from Salvini himself. Diodato also addressed the crowd before continuing his set of De André covers.

“How many times have I described myself as light-years away from certain political thoughts and certain political attitudes. I sincerely don't believe it's right to stop playing, but I want to say one thing also to those who decided to leave: I am not the owner of the house and I wouldn't presume to kick anyone out. But let's hope that De André's music illuminates our political class a little more.”

Salvini's response

Salvini reacted on social media shortly after the incident, posting a long message defending his right to attend the concert and listen to De André. He said he has loved De André since high school, listening to his parents' records, and had seen him live many times. He recalled that in 2003, as a Milan city councillor, he contributed to awarding the Ambrogino d'oro to De André's memory, and that when passing through Genoa for work he tries to visit the singer's grave at Staglieno cemetery.

“Have we really reached the point where someone decides who can listen to De André and who can't? Who can stay at a concert and who has to leave? I'm used to protests and insults, it can happen sometimes, no drama. That girl had the right to protest, just as I have the right to answer her. That's how it works, it's called democracy. But no one, and I repeat NO ONE, can decide which singers I can listen to, which books I can or can't read, which films I can watch.”

Alice De André's counterattack

Hours later, Alice De André, granddaughter of Fabrizio and daughter of Cristiano, an actress and stand-up comedian, posted a sharply worded message on social media that diverged entirely from Ghezzi's conciliatory tone. She questioned what Salvini could possibly have understood of her grandfather's lyrics.

“I don't know exactly what Salvini managed to understand from my grandfather's lyrics. Maybe the music? Maybe the la la la? Because on the lyrics we evidently had some comprehension problem. To say that their thoughts, their values and their idea of society are diametrically opposed is a euphemism.”

She defended the lone protester and concluded with an even blunter assessment of what her grandfather would have done.

“My grandfather, faced with that scene, would have stopped the concert and probably would have asked Salvini what the fuck he was doing there.”

She also raised a broader concern, suggesting that De André has become a kind of 'national holy card', celebrated by everyone as long as no one dares recall what his words actually said.